Georgie's Consignment boasts high fashion, low prices

Few businesses - much less start-ups - can point to the sluggish economy as a reason for their success. Georgie Consignment For Her is a rare exception.

"In a way, the recession contributed to helping us exceed our revenue goal for the year," said Pam Rische, who opened her Elm Grove establishment in March, 2011. "Women haven't been able to afford to buy high-end clothing at full price as much as they used to. But at Georgie Consignment, they can not only find great accessories, jewelry and name-brand apparel from the likes of Banana Republic, Ann Taylor and J. Crew at discounted prices, but medium- to high-end department store merchandise and designer labels, as well."

Real estate also has played a key role in Georgie's success. The store lies in the Village Court shopping plaza, next to Nora B's restaurant and, Rische said, often attracts customers from the eatery.

Once inside, she continued, shoppers are drawn to the store's zebra and pink décor - as well as to its fashionable inventory.

"We're very selective in the consignments we accept," she said. "The Elm Grove community has a demand for high-end women's garments, so our items must be stylish, clean and show no signs of wear."

Georgie Consignment has a civic-minded bent, holding toy drives during the holidays, hosting a fashion show to benefit a humane society, and donating any clothing that has been in stock for more than 60 days - and which the consigner does not want returned - to homes for less-fortunate women.

In business less than a year, Rische already is making expansion plans for 2012.

"We hope to have a second store up and running before too long," she said. "Our customers have responded so well to our efforts at making high-end shopping a fun and affordable experience that we'd like to grow the Georgie Consignment brand throughout the Elm Grove/Brookfield area."

To suggest a business for the Business Spotlight, email news@cninow.com.

JUST THE FACTS

BUSINESS: Georgie Consignment For Her

ADDRESS: 890 Elm Grove Road, Building No. 2, Suite 106, Elm Grove

PHONE: (262) 754-0004

OWNER: Pam Rische

INCORPORATED: 2011

TYPE OF BUSINESS: clothing consignment store

PEARLS OF WISDOM: "Never pay full price for awesome attire."